Emancipation

twenty six

James left a huge hickey on my neck for me to cover up. I honestly didn't even realise it until Hale pointed it out yesterday after we all got out of the pool. After pushing him in, we all stayed in the pool for another half an hour with Hale trying to drown me multiple times that always earned a slap on his head in return from me.

Hale stayed till dinner, and for once we had pizza in the theatre room for dinner while we watched Die Hard. After he left, James and I went to our rooms for the night. I wonder if there would ever be a day that we wouldn't have to bid goodnight to each other on our bedroom doors. I know all I have to do is ask, but that's a huge step I'm not yet willing to take.

Yes, we've made out couple of times but to share a bedroom? That's a huge thing. I try to cover up the hickey on my neck with concealer as much as possible but James didn't really go soft on me. Just looking at it makes my stomach flutter with the image on his tongue on my skin, leaving me panting.

After getting dressed in a plain black dress, I make my way downstairs to have breakfast. I frown a little when there's only Shanley in the kitchen, with no one else in sight.

"Hey, where's everyone?" I ask her as she's chopping the vegetables.

"Mr. Clark left for office half an hour ago and Mrs. George is watering the flowers in front yard."

I nod at her response, frowning because James usually doesn't leave for office until eight thirty, and it's just quarter past eight right now. There must be some important work for him to cater to. I don't pry much as I eat the fruit plate Shanley keeps in front of  me along with a glass of milk.

After doing the dishes, I make my way out of the house and to college, wearing a green summer dress as she grins at me.

"Morning, beautiful!"

I give her a tight hug before letting go as we start moving towards the class. "How did the breakfast yesterday go?" I ask, keeping up with her fast paced walk.

She looks backs at me, her eyes squinting a little as she sighs. "Natalie told us."

"What?" I stop walking, I really stop walking until she looks back and rolls her eyes, entangling her arm with mine to move us inside the class.

She doesn't say a word until we are both seated and she turns to face me completely. "She was freaking out, feeling really guilty for assuming that something could happen between the two of you."

Her words make me get lost in my own thoughts for a while. I really appreciate that Natalie didn't force herself upon me, or didn't even try to kiss me. She was just testing the waters when I shot her down and she immediately backed off. I appreciated that, I really did and it said a lot about what kind of person she is.

"I don't know what to say, Ash." I tell her honestly. "I'm not mad at her, seriously. I'll talk to her about it."

She nods at my response, giving me a small smile. "We all were really glad you came for sleepover, you know? We usually go out but Austin said that we should stay in because I think we all have established that your introvert ass wouldn't like clubbing."

I feel my heart warm that they planned the night according to my convenience. I really did get lucky to have such a crazy and amazing group of friends.

"I really had fun too." I smile at her, wondering if I'm ready to actually open up to all of them.

The next three lectures go back to back and for some reason I start doodling on the end of my textbook instead of making notes, my thoughts going haywire. We have exams in less than two weeks so today is supposed to be last day of lectures before we get a week off for preparation.